A message to all members of ERSLA Emergency Response Services for Latin America
(Rescue Response Gear supports ERSLA. By creating a central communication source ERSLA is creating networks between groups offering developmental aid in emergency medical systems, preventive educational programs and infrastructure to improve communities and save lives in Latin America and it does so with a commitment to sustainability.)
ERSLA Project Successful in Haiti Just a few days after the earthquake in Haiti, ERSLA began working on a project to distribute chlorine generators made by S.W.I.M. to areas most in need in the devastated country. In such short notice, we were hardly able to raise even enough money for the 50 units themselves, but managed to launch even without enough for travel and logistics. The project has been a success. Rodney McDonald and contributer Sven Eisenhauer boarded a single engine plane in Atlanta on Feb 08 accompanied by two volunteers from a group called Wyoming Haiti Relief. The team of four moved from the area of Grassier, which is located just a few miles from the epicenter and had not been visited by doctors since the earthquake until our team arrived. ERSLA placed units in tent cities in Port au Prince and in hospitals managed by Doctors without Borders. The team then worked their way toward the Dominican Republic border to a town called Fond Parisian and began working at a refugee camp and hospital managed by Harvard University. The team was able to distribute the final units where the refugees were arriving and the local resources were already being taxed. Just a day before leaving, one of the managers of the hospital told Rodney that the chlorine supply was down to just two bottles (not good for a site that is soon to reach 2000 injured and their family members). Along with the delivery of the units, Sven and Rodney were offering assistance anywhere needed. Sven became a carpenter and played with the children which both tasks were desperately needed. Rodney wore a sign on his chest that said “I Lift Heavy Things” so the doctors, nurses, and other volunteers knew they could ask for assistance with any task. The project was a success, but we must now recover ourselves. We still have not received enough funding for the project, and would like to take the knowledge learned from this experience to better prepare other high risk areas such as Nicaragua. We hope you continue with your support. We are in the process of compiling the information at this time, and will have a full report shortly. Thanks to all that have donated. A special thanks needs to go to Sven for his hard work on this project.
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